Kids Participate in “Cerealism” Workshop at Library

Children and parents gathered at the  on Thursday morning to participate in an exciting programming event led by artist Michael Albert, best known for his "Cerealism" pieces. Albert incorporates cut-up parts of discarded cereal boxes, as well as other commercial consumer packaging, into detailed and intricate collages.

"These are all types of materials that we have at home and throw away all of the time without thinking too much about it," Albert said. "Cereal boxes have so much fun imagery on them. Everyone remembers looking at the cereal box when they were younger eating breakfast. All of these packages, not just cereal, have so many icons that we all recognize. It is fun to just play around with them."

Albert began his workshop with a presentation on his artistic technique and a brief personal history. His work at the East Meadow Public Library for the past month, making this workshop "extra special."

"I have been working with a lot of libraries since my book came out because I realized that a library was the perfect venue to expose my work to the public," he said. "There is a great library in every community. It is a free place to come and it is a place of learning."

Participants for this workshop were asked to bring boxes of their own, though the library was largely successfully in collecting a variety from patrons. Albert had cardboard already cut into six by nine inches pieces on which the children could glue their creations.

"Since they are discarded like garbage this project doesn't really cost any money," Albert said. "All you need to create a whole body of work is your own energy, creativity, my trusty scissors and some glue. I have found that everybody loves it because it's very relaxing."

Children as well as their parents were invited to make their own masterpiece. Everyone was eager to begin working on this creative and innovative type of project during the holiday break.

"I'm here because I just love art," said Bonnie Elias, who brought her children, Meghan, 8, and Dylan, 6, to the workshop. "I am just intrigued by how they use cereal boxes and turn it into art. It's just a lot of curiosity."

Maria Paletta brought her two daughters, who were very excited to participate. 

"There is no school and my daughter loves art," she said. "I thought that she would enjoy this."

Utilizing ideas from history, pop culture and general consumerism, Albert is able to translate his unique style so that anybody is able to make a "Cerealism" collage. He believes that art should be something people are excited to do.

"When I show them my work I am just showing various examples of what I have done with these materials, but they can do what they want," Albert said, in regard to providing direction to the children. "You should have fun with art. No one should be telling you what to do."